Shake Shack vs. Burger Joint: Which One Is Better?

Shake Shack and Burger Joint have a lot in common. They’re NYC burgers with cult followings made in bulk and served to hundreds. Their logos even look sort of similar (I mean, I guess there’s only so many versions of a burger one can make).

These are the two arguably most famous “fast-food” burgers in New York City and the time has come for everyone to know the truth! So I made a pro and con list, but be sure to read the follow up.

There are of course also draws or things that are equal about the two that one must consider:

Draw: Long Lines

Draw: equally overpriced for a burger

Draw: both serve shakes

Draw: both burgers taste considerably worse if not just made

So Overall, it’s a tough call. Basically if you want an experience Burger Joint is the one (read on for details why). And if you just want a good burger for take out, go Shake Shack.

The Burger Joint is inside a hotel. A nice hotel. It is behind a red curtain with a big light up burger pointing your way. You just have to find it. It’s a not so secret secret. Picture this:

The Lobby of Le Parker Meridien

You walk into this luxurious lobby. You find the slit behind a big red curtain and walk into a dark alleyway only to see a neon burger lit up. And a line. You get in said line. You end up…..

This is inside the Burger Joint.

Here. Inside the above. Which is Burger Joint. A divey crap hole with paper lanterns and old movie posters on the wall. It’s hard to get a seat, you have to wait in line (this is exactly the same at shake shack) but you’re in a cool little secret spot. For this reason, going to the Burger Joint for a sit down experience is worth it. Also make sure you order correctly because they don’t like to wait around for you. Cheeseburger, medium, the works (this means all the toppings). That is the format. cheese or no – how do you want it cooked – what do you want on top. This gimmick is similar to Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor, my favorite and forever best burger spot in the world, except this one is a more simple ordering process. Which thank god, because watching French people try to order is painful. If you are visiting and are afraid of getting yelled at when you order, they have order sheets you can fill out in many languages at the beginning of the line to make it easier.

That is the inside of a Shake Shack. I don’t know which one, but it doesn’t matter because they all look the same. They are all industrial and crowded. They want to serve you your burger with their little pager that will tell you when it’s ready on a metal tray and you will go get it and then struggle to find a spot to sit (again this is similar at Burger Joint only there’s no buzzer just an angry lady yelling your name). But their burger is really delicious in a greasy, maybe you won’t feel great after, sort of way. It’s good. I say go with the Classic Shack Burger and skip the fries, get the special custard or if you have room a concrete. But seriously, don’t try to eat it there. Take it home, take it anywhere, take it to a stoop outside if it’s nice out, just make sure it’s close so you can still eat the burger while it’s warm and your ice cream doesn’t melt.